Pepperjack Bratwurst with Smoked Pastrami Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pepperjack bratwurst served on a soft bun with a smoky pastrami-infused coleslaw that adds a tangy crunch. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs hot dog buns, smoked pastrami, chopped, green cabbage, shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill or smoker to medium heat (around 350°F). Grill 4 pepperjack bratwurst sausages for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until thoroughly cooked and grill marks appear.
  2. Step 2: While the bratwursts cook, combine 1 cup chopped smoked pastrami, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1/2 cup shredded carrot in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp celery seed, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pastrami and cabbage mixture and toss gently until the slaw is evenly coated, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Toast 4 hot dog buns lightly on the grill for 1-2 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
  6. Step 6: Assemble by placing a grilled bratwurst in each bun and topping generously with the smoked pastrami slaw before serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pepperjack Bratwurst with Smoked Pastrami Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pepperjack Bratwurst with Smoked Pastrami Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep hot dog buns from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pepperjack Bratwurst with Smoked Pastrami Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pepperjack Bratwurst with Smoked Pastrami Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pepperjack Bratwurst with Smoked Pastrami Slaw?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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